LIONEL MESSI will ‘most certainly’ depart Barcelona in the summertime, based on presidential candidate Agusti Benedito.
The 56-year-old is hoping to succeed Josep Maria Bartomeu within the high job on the Catalan membership in the course of the elections later this month.
Messi has simply six months remaining on his contractCredit score: AFP OR LICENSORS
Benedito would not maintain out a lot hope of holding MessiCredit score: EPA
However whereas he admits that retaining Messi can be the ‘greatest information’ for the membership, he’s life like in his assumptions.
He advised ESPN: “Retaining Messi can be one of the best information for the membership however I’m not very optimistic.
“Given the membership’s scenario, I feel it is actually vital that he stays at Barca, with the understanding that he understands the subsequent two years we have now in entrance us [could be difficult].
“He is been right here for 20 years; he is a Barcelona fan and I feel he is delicate to the scenario.
“He has given us a lot in the identical method that Barcelona have given him lots and it is time for us all to roll up our sleeves.
“I might have favored him to say in his interview the opposite week that his need is to remain on the membership, however he did not and now we have now to attend and see. The reality is I’m pessimistic.
“Keep in mind that in August he stated he needed to go away after 20 years and now he is nonetheless not cleared up what he desires to do.
“The most certainly consequence I see is that he leaves us in the summertime.”
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Barca have thus far underachieved below Ronald KoemanCredit score: EPA
Since an understated begin to the season by his excessive requirements, Messi, 33, has rolled up his sleeves – scoring ten objectives and aiding an additional six in 19 outings this season.
However in a current interview with La Sexta he refused to decide to the membership long run, even opening the door to a move to MLS.
He stated: “I’ve all the time had the dream of enjoying in one other league, in the US.
“Perhaps it would occur, would not need to be instantly. As we speak I’m simply targeted on these subsequent six months.”
A transfer to Manchester Metropolis, reuniting with Pep Guardiola, might present Messi with the right pathway to the US – given the Metropolis Group’s possession of New York Metropolis FC.
Alternatively, he could choose to hyperlink up with compatriot Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.
